civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
Synonyms of civilizednext
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, however, after decades of angry seatbelt alarms and parking sensor shrieks, a polite musical chime almost seems civilized. Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Part of being a great city is acting civilized. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 Today, the antagonism between the defendants and the system judging them took the shape of civilized disagreement. Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026 No civilized country in the world will do that. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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